Survey: Qatar backs WC 2022

Over 60 percent of participants in a survey in Qatar revealed that their sense of belonging has increased as a result of the country being named as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

According to the survey, conducted by Agency 222, the sense of solidarity is echoed across Mena region with over 70 percent of regional participants saying that they feel great pride that Qatar will host the event. 

Over two thirds of participants foresee a positive impact throughout the region as a result of 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and believe that it will provide excellent global exposure to the region as a whole.

A total of 2,820 people from Qatar and the Mena region took part in the online survey, providing insights which clearly demonstrate the positive perception of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

More than half of Arabs surveyed expect a positive impact on tourism throughout the region. This is particularly important given the current turmoil that can be seen across the Arab World and further highlights Qatar as a secure and forward looking nation. 

As a result, almost three quarters of participants believe that the 2022 World Cup will bring more investments to the country, and over 60 percent of participants believe that employment opportunities in Qatar will improve significantly as a result. 

Majority of participants (64 percent) are confident that it will be a great success. In fact, over half of those surveyed expressed a desire to be more informed and updated about the 2022 FIFA World Cup preparations.  

Most of participants said that they intend to attend matches throughout the competition and sighted Qatar’s security, luxury lifestyle and short commuting times as top motivations for doing so.  

With some $200bn of public investment projects in the pipeline, the 2022 event is driving massive infrastructure projects, including the development of rail and road transport and the construction of stadiums. 

Nevertheless, the country’s residents remain divided as to whether their day to day lives will be affected during the event, with half of participants agreeing that the roads will be congested during the event while the other half disagree. 

However, the majority of participants 62 percent believe that Qatar is on track with its preparations and believe that construction works will be completed in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

In fact, one of the biggest perceived legacies of hosting the event in Qatar is the improved infrastructure which will benefit many generations to come. 

Republished from The Peninsula